When Texting or participating in IM and Chat, try not to be overly cryptic or your meaning can be misread.
Use Instant Messaging (IM) for casual topics or informational briefs. IM is not the place for serious topics or confrontational issues.
Start by always asking if the person you are IMing is available and if it is a good time to chat. Refrain from IMing during meetings or when your attention is required.
Practice communicating briefly and succinctly.
Always consider if calling the other party on the phone is better when Texting about sensitive topics.
IMing is not an excuse to forget your grade school education.
If you are not a smooth multi-tasker, do not continue multiple IM sessions and leave folks hanging while you communicate with others.
Learn how to use the features of your IM program. Specifically your “busy” and “away” message features.
Never IM under an alias to take a peek at friends’ or associates’ activities.
Take into consideration who you are communicating with to determine the acronyms and emoticons that should be used – if at all.